All the news that is news or at least all the news that I found interesting. That’s called "curation" folks. Let’s dive right into what was going on this week, shall we?
Robert Forster has died.
A sad way to start but famed character actor Robert Forster, maybe best known for his Oscar nominated turn in Jackie Brown, but who had appeared in over 100 movies and reprised his small but memorable role from Breaking Bad in this weekend’s El Camino, passed away from brain cancer at the age of 78 this week.
He was well regarded and remembered by his peers, and his presence will be one we all miss.
Also, seriously, fuck cancer.
1970 Martin Scorsese Documentary Street Scenes Surfaced on YouTube
Love Scorsese? Seen everything he’s even done? Probably not, actually, since this documentary about the Vietnam War protests has been basically lost for decades. But it just showed up on YouTube so you can watch it now. It’s a fascinating look back at a moment in time, but also it has Scorsese and Harvey Keitel and Jay Cocks and Verna Bloom, and Oliver Stone was a camera guy. It’s definitely worth an hour and fifteen minutes of your time.
There is a Training Day prequel in the works, because of course there is
In case you weren’t getting tired of the age of nostalgia, there is a sequel to Training Day in the world. Now, this is very early stages so far and it’s entirely possible it won’t happen but also, you know, I’m very tired.
(source: Collider)
Vancouver Local Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol coming to AppleTV+
Every streaming service is making big moves in order to attract subscribers and Apple is no different. To that end they’ve scooped up a Will Ferrell & Ryan Reynolds produced and starring adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’. You know what? I’m into it. No word on whether it’ll be serious or comedic, but also given who’s involved? I’m gonna guess both.
No word on a release year but I’m going to go ahead and assume "Christmas time" will be a good bet.
(source: (The Hollywood Reporter)[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/will-ferrell-ryan-reynolds-a-christmas-carol-musical-lands-at-apple-1246194])
Alfonso Cuarón signs deal with AppleTV+
Speaking of Apple, they also just signed an exclusive deal with Alfonso Cuarón to develop new material for their TV service. Cuarón is coming off multiple Oscar wins for Roma last year so this is a big win for Apple.
(source: The Hollywood Reporter)
Marc Maron calls out Todd Phillips
I didn’t report on it last week but Todd Phillips (director of Joker) has been in the news saying that "woke culture" is killing comedy. He’s wrong, and the reason I didn’t report it here is that I think it’s a dumb comment because to me it sounds like a guy who just doesn’t want to have to evolve with the times (or avoid punching down with his comedy).
In any event, I’m reporting it now because Marc Maron (who has a small supporting role in Joker) has spoken up against what Todd Phillips said. From Maron’s podcast:
“There’s plenty of people being funny right now. Not only being funny but being really fucking funny. There are still lines to be rode. If you like to ride a line, you can still ride a line. If you want to take chances, you can still take chances. Really, the only thing that’s off the table, culturally, at this juncture –and not even entirely– is shamelessly punching down for the sheer joy of hurting people. For the sheer excitement and laughter that some people get from causing people pain, from making people uncomfortable, from making people feel excluded. Y’know, that excitement.”
“As I’ve said before, it’s no excuse. If you’re too intimidated to try to do comedy that is deep or provocative, or even a little controversial, without hurting people, then you’re not good at what you do. Or maybe you’re just insensitive.”
Yeah, that basically sums it up.
(source: The Playlist)
Netflix ‘Cowboy Bebop’ Series is Officially In Production
Cowboy Bebop is the epitome of cool Anime, the story of struggling bounty hunters with checkered pasts set in a far flung future where mankind has colonized the solar system but set to a score and soundtrack of absolutely righteous jazz music. Netflix has the rights to a live action adaption and it’s finally in production with John Cho, Mustafa Shakir, and Daniella Pineda on board as Spike, Jet, and Faye respectively as well as Alex Hassell as the antagonist Vicious. Here’s the first look video they’ve released to announce the start of production:
Ein is of course an integral character to the show. No word on casting for Edward yet, or a release date, but we’ll be keeping an eye on this one.
Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham are teaming up again!
Jason Statham got his big break working with Guy Ritchie on his early films Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, and now the duo are re-teaming for a remake of a French flick called Le Convoyeur. Here’s the brief synopsis:
The plot follows H, a cold and mysterious character working at a cash truck company responsible for moving hundreds of millions of dollars around Los Angeles each week. Weaving through a suspenseful and carefully constructed narrative, the film shifts across timelines and between various characters’ perspectives for a thrilling and mind-bending experience.
I’ve never seen Le Convoyeur but it has Jean Dujardin in it and the premise seems intriguing so I might have to look it up.
No further details are available about this remake but we’ll keep you posted.
(source: Deadline)
Steven Spielberg & Tom Hanks next WWII show headed to AppleTV+
Apple keeps making news this week. YOu’re probably aware of Band of Brothers and The Pacific, the acclaimed miniseries’ that aired originally on HBO, produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. They have a third series in the works. Originally developed for HBO, it will follow the book Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany by Donald L Miller.
It is reported that the series will be 8 episodes long and cost over $200 million to make.
(source: Deadline)
‘John Wick’ Spinoff ‘Ballerina’ going ahead with director Len Wiseman
I’m all for more John Wick in the world, Chapter 3 is one of my favourite movies of this year so far. Spinning off the ballerinas from that whole sequence in Chapter 3 seems like a good idea. But with Len Wiseman? Really?
I try not to be too dour about news like this but while Ken Wiseman directed Underworld (which I liked) he also shepherded the rest of that franchise (which I basically don’t like) and directed both 2012’s Total Recall (oof) and Live Free or Die Hard (which, honestly, I have mixed feelings about).
So he doesn’t have a great track record, is what I am saying. Time will tell, I suppose. I’m going to choose to remain optimistic, for now.
(source: BirthMoviesDeath)
Other Great Writing from Around The Web
The End
That’s all the news I have for you this week. Which story catches your eye?
You must be logged in to post a comment.